Throughout the stories, I trust, the amplest justice has been done, and the fullest credit given, to those who were our gallant foes on the several occasions. In conclusion, I am greatly indebted to Lord Selborne, First Lord of the Admiralty, for allowing me to use information which has proved invaluable for my purposes; to Mr. A.B. Tucker of the _Graphic_ for assistance with my proofs and maps, and suggestions as to certain footnotes; and to Commander C.N. Robinson, R.N., for placing at my disposal his fine collection of old naval prints and drawings. E.F. CONTENTS PAGE 1. The _Monmouths_ in War 1 How Arthur Gardiner fought the _Foudroyant_. 2. Rodney's Ship on Rodney's Day 43 The _Formidable_ that broke the line. 3. Won at the Cannon's Mouth 172 His Majesty's Ship _Undaunted_. 4. 'Billy Blue': A Ballad of the Fleet 199 One of the _Royal Sovereign's_ days. 5. The 'Fighting' _Temeraire_. 213 Where, how, and when she made her name. 6. 'Well Done, _Condor_!' 287 Alexandria, 1882. ILLUSTRATIONS The Enemy in Sight--'Full Speed Ahead!' _Frontispiece_ PAGE 'Ready, Aye Ready!' Our Cruiser _Monmouth_ of to-day 1 In Action at Midnight 25 The _Monmouth_ fighting the _Foudroyant_ at close quarters 28 'Success to the _Formidable_!' Nov. 17, 1898 43 'Ut Veniant Omnes!' The Big 50-Ton Guns of the _Formidable_ 46 Rodney's _Formidable_ on the day before her Launch 52 Rodney's Sword 53 Admiral Lord Rodney, K.B. (after Gainsborough's portrait) 57 The Pitons of St. Lucia 61 The Count De Grasse 63 Clock-face from the _Ville de Paris_ 71 Bell of the _Ville de Paris_ 72 Chart showing Rodney's pursuit of De Grasse 83 Monument of the three Captains--Blair, Bayne, and Lord Robert Manners--in Westminster Abbey 111 Fighting the Guns on the Main Deck 114 The Critical Moment of Rodney's Battle--how the French Line was broken 122 The _Formidable_ breaking the Line. April 12, 1782 126 One of the 'Fighting Lanterns' of the _Ville de Paris_ 147 De Grasse's Flag comes down. Rodney watching the Surrender of the _Ville de Paris_ 148